Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I was always hoping I wouldn't have to post in this section for a long time, but here I am. Sweetpea had an awesome day yesterday and then late last night she stopped drinking and barely ate. This morning was the first time EVER- she yelped and was having issues with laying down. She was just ready to be pain free, so on a Sunday- thank goodness my vet is open and we made an appt. and we were late for it.
Thank God for the staff there, because this was our first pet to be euthanized. They sedated her and waited for us to be "ready" and then she received her injection and as everyone said- it is quick. The total heartbreak afterwards, seems impossible to handle. She wasn't wagging her tail when we came home or grumbling at her little sister. I pray that this intense pain gets a little better at some point. She was our bestest friend for 6 years, 4 months and 18 days, we will always love and miss you so much Sweetpea!!!! I would post pics here, but unsure how, Donna
Im so sorry - Fly free Sweatpea fly free.
The pain is so harsh at first but it will ease over time just hold all those precious memories close and go with it. Sweatpea will always hold a special place in your heart.
Thinking of you
Sarah
I am so sorry to hear about Sweetpea. The pain of loss is awful. I don't think you ever "get over it" but you do come to accept it. You'll remember the goofy or silly things she would do that would make you laugh and the sweetness of her soul.
Bless you for doing the very unselfish thing and letting her go when it was her time. I really do believe we meet up with our 4 (or 3) legged friends again someday. But in the meantime, the heart has some healing to do.
You're both in my thoughts.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Oh Donna, I am so sorry that you are posting here so soon. Making the decision to end the pain of our beautiful dogs is the hardest decision ever. But, you have released her from her pain, saved her from more suffering and that is a very selfless thing to do. I'm glad Sweetpea was able to rally for that last day.
Don't let anyone tell you how long it should take you to grieve. It will take as long as it takes. Everyone is different. The pain is gut wrenching at first. I don't quite know how I survived the first 2 weeks and the following 2 weeks were only marginally better. I didn't think I would ever smile or be happy again, but, almost 4 months on, I do smile and I am mostly happy. But there are still many, many times each week when I still catch myself tearing up. Let yourself grieve and do what feels right for you. I found it very helpful to write and to put together photo albums. I cried a lot as I did it but it was my way of remembering my girl and holding onto her memory as my heart shattered.
We are always here for you whenever you need friendly shoulders to cry on or to remember your beautiful Sweetpea.
Sending you many many hugs.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Oh, Donna I am so very sorry. This is such a hard thing to deal with and we understand that. I believe it is because our dogs are such innocent, pure souls that it seems unbearable to not have that presence in our lives. I do believe that upon departing this earth our bodies are made whole again, so I do think that Sweetpea has all four legs again. I wish you all the peace in the world during this terrible time.
Hugs,
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
I'm so sorry you had to set your Sweetpea free today. It is a very hard decision to make and give yourself time to grieve. I'm glad you had a good day with her yesterday so try to focus on the happy moments you shared.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
I am sorry Sweatpea's journey ended so soon. You did everything you could for your girl, and today you gave her a final gift.
You loved her so much, the pain you feel today is the price we pay when we love unconditionally. It will get better, little by little, there will be smiles again but you have to give yourself as much time as you need to grieve your loss.
Sweatpea will always be in your heart and so will always be by your side.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Donna, I wish you weren't writing this tonight, either. I am also grateful that Sweetpea was able to rally a bit and really enjoy some good times with you. You got to spend that time making memories. Yes it hurts more than we imagine it will. It's the price we pay for letting them into our hearts. I think they make our hearts grow, though, and make us better people. Know we're here if you need anything.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Sweetpea had the greatest parents ever. You put her before yourselves and that is the greatest gift you can give your pup. I'm so glad she had a good day yesterday for all of you. We wish you peace on this day and the many days to come that will be difficult. I hope you feel some warmth knowing that you are not alone and we are all here to support you during this really tough time.
All our Best thoughts coming your way,
Suzie
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Oh no, I'm so sorry, I was hoping she would have more time with you. Please know you did everything you could for Sweetpea, and by not letting her suffer, you did her spirit justice.
And someday, I know you will meet again. For now, remember that her spirit is always by your side, she is never far from home or your heart.
If you want to post more photos please PM me, I can share them here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear Sweetpea has gone on. Sending healing thoughts to you.
Donna, you are in our thoughts today. I'm so very you lost your beautiful girl-- and yes, she is running about on all fours, now and forever.
Catherine
PS I love the picture of her that Jerry posted-- she was stunning; such a great smile.
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
I dont know what to do, my husband or I cant sleep, i cant eat and dont want to leave the house, cause when we come- she's not there wagging her tail. I hope when we get her ashes back Thursday, it might help a little easier. We are second guessing ourselves, maybe we should of kept her a little longer. I am sorry for going on- but we feel so lost and heartbroken:(
Please don't apologize. Ever. We are all bound together by our precious tripawds and we are here for support - during their lives and after they leave us. I think it is natural to second guess ourselves when we make such a big decision but it was obvious to us that you cared so very much for Sweetpea and I am sure you made the right decision for her. It will hurt for a long time, but it does get easier with time, I promise. Hugs to you.
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
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